Monday, August 30, 2010

Oya, Japan

Located just a few miles outside of the city of Utsunomiya is a giant Buddha carved out of stone. This statue was carved shortly after the Second World War. Its purpose is to commemorate peace. Though it's not the largest Buddha you might find in Japan. There are some quite larger.

Although this large Buddha towers over Oya, there are other attractions. Most notably, its the stone in the area that draws the tourists. Without the stone, this Buddha wouldn't exist.

Literally across the street from the Giant Buddha is a small garden that contains some koi fish, flowers, and everything stereotypical you might find about Japan. The only draw back is that there is an entry fee. See, to get a good look at the giant Buddha, for free. But to get a glance at this other famous attraction will cost you somewhere around ¥400.

This attraction dates back to the late 800's and as you might guess. Its something of another God, most likely from Shinto beliefs. Only this time it has a ton of arms and reminds much more of a Hindu God than something Shinto. Regardless, it was interesting to see. Sadly, you are banned

from taking any pictures of it. This was a totally bummer because after paying the entrance fee, you should fee justified taking a picture of it. It's either for a religious reason or maybe they just don't want everyone to know what it looks like. Keeping the curiosity alive. Not surprisingly, there are pictures of this Thousand Armed

Shinto God on about every piece of tourist information you can get. Go figure.

Nearby, by a short car ride, there is another attraction to see. This one is actually an old rock quarry that might still be in use. If you are visting this area in the summer months, its a nice change of pace. The temperature inside is at least 15 degrees centigrade cooler. Its strange walking from a hot humid atmosphere into a nice cool underground dungeon.

This place just like the other place requires an entrance fee. This one was more, about ¥600. I could tell you that, as nice it is to stand inside in a nice cool underground, I don't think it's worth your money.. Unless you are willing to spend it.

Moving along, I went to a nearby shrine. Of course, these are free. It had a lovely set of steps all the way up to the top

.

That is all I have to say on Oya, Japan. It's short and brief. Plus, I also was getting really frustrated trying to insert pictures and move them around. What a world.